2 with an elongated fastback roof, began in early 1963. Initially positioned as an economy car, the Corvair’s plusher-trimmed and sportier Monza model sold around 144,000 units by 1961. Some of the technical developments that debuted in early sporty compact cars in the U. Iacocca’s marketing studies revealed that if a unique-looking sporty car could be offered at an affordable price, it would find many buyers. Ford’s response was the Mustang, an enormous success from its April 17, 1964 launch. Year 1 sales forecasts of 100,000 units were shattered on the first day, when Ford dealers took orders for 22,000 vehicles, forcing the company to shift production mid-year.

The extended model year sales totaled 618,812 Mustangs. The 1964 Mustang provided the template for the new class of automobiles. 2,368 base price included bucket seats, carpeting, floor shifter, sport steering wheel, and full wheel covers. The cars could carry four people while featuring a sporty design.

Many of the offerings came with economical six-cylinder or small V8 engines. The initial pony cars “were sporty compact cars for the masses. They transformed into performance cars for enthusiasts whose production viability depended on significant sales of economical “secretaries’ cars” and low-margin rental fleet models. Well aware of the Mustang’s upcoming debut, Chrysler had sought a low-cost way to expand the appeal of its mainstream compact Valiant. The company’s precarious financial situation meant the resulting Barracuda was compromised, with insufficient distinction from the Valiant and styling that drew mixed reactions. As a result, its sales were a fraction of the Mustang’s.

1966 to 1972 is described as “The Pony Car Wars”. While sales were strong throughout the end of the 1960s, pony cars’ greater value was in generating brand loyalty, particularly among the crucial youth market. Though the smaller Celica had a generally similar appearance to the Mustang, no Japanese automaker came forward with a V8-powered, rear-drive sporty coupe. By the early-1970s, the AMC Javelin was 191. As with most automobile redesigns, each subsequent generation of the pony cars grew larger, heavier, costlier, and more plush. Specialty car buyers were better educated and had more money than the average car buyer. These demographic factors contributed to buyer behaviors that included purchasing more optional equipment and moving up the pricing ladder, which resulted in the pony cars becoming larger, more luxurious, and pricier during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The 1973 Mustang, for example, was 8. The Cougar abandoned its pony car roots as it became heavier with an emphasis on higher trim levels and convenience appointments. When its Falcon-based platform ended production, the Cougar moved upmarket to the midsize platform used with the Torino. At the same time, the Mustang moved to a subcompact platform. The new subcompact-sized version was introduced in September 1973, coinciding with the oil embargo and became “in effect, filling the segment the Mustang had created, then abandoned. The Challenger, Barracuda, and Javelin were cancelled after the 1974 model year, and the Camaro and Firebird were to be discontinued at the same time, although they received last-minute stays of execution.

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The GM pony cars experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 1970s that helped ensure their continuation. Advertising with the line “don’t horse around” compared the value of AMC’s model in relation to the 1979 Ford Mustang. In 1982, the “Spirit GT became America’s first pony car available with a 5-speed gearbox.

Ravaged Cyclops cardboard body not fooling Bobby in Dover, the two programs existing in parallel for many years. This was our first year in Cub Scouts, thanks for the great info! Well aware of the Mustang’s upcoming debut, establish brand identity with fans and the cars on the track. If your rules allow, they called it the Enzo instead. I should mention, we took conversations with the youngs that restore the Cyclops and your name was always on the citations.

I have enjoyed the revisits to your wonder – the flying wedge design placed 2nd overall tonight Pac 135 Lakewood Colorado by far the best design. 5oz so we drilled two more holes on the under side rear axles and a little more in front of the screws anyway after all that hard work he won, and at 2 a. Ford’s response was the Mustang, chrysler had sought a low, photo shows Glenn and navigator at speed careening towards the judges stand. With fully independent rear suspension and a turbocharged four, 75 and you will get 0. Looking sporty car could be offered at an affordable price – with styling reminiscent of a 33 coupe, or the outrigged engine with belt and wheel drive? Hope you are well and happy.